LIVE REAL Mentor Program

LIVE REAL Mentor Program Dates

NDSU students, staff and faculty are welcome to attend any of these 1 hour training sessions. To schedule an individual training session for your department or student organization, please contact Nick Redenius at 231.5131 or nicklaus.redenius@ndsu.edu

Alcohol: The Basics Session:

An introduction to the LIVE REAL Mentor Program. Participants will learn about the effects of high risk alcohol and drug use and how to take steps to promote an environment of safe and responsible attitudes toward alcohol at NDSU. These sessions are open to all NDSU students, staff, and faculty.

Marijuana Session:

Attendees will learn about the basics of marijuana, use rates at NDSU and nationally, and how to challenge myths and assist those struggling with use. These sessions are open to all NDSU students, staff, and faculty. Participants do not need to have previously attended the LIVE REAL Mentor Basics program.

Alcohol and Sexual Violence Session:

Attendees will learn about the relationship between alcohol and sexual violence. Social norms regarding sexual behavior and alcohol will be discussed, along with the impact of alcohol on both victims and offenders and the role of alcohol in victim blame. This session is open to all NDSU students, staff, and faculty. Participants do not need to have previously attended the LIVE REAL Mentor Basics program.

Parent and Caring Adult Session:

Attendees will learn about research related to parental modeling and messaging regarding alcohol and other drug use. Tips for talking with children of all ages about drinking and drug use will be discussed and resources for ongoing education will be shared. This session is open to all NDSU students, staff, and faculty and all community members. Participants do not need to have previously attended the LIVE REAL Mentor Basics program.

LIVE REAL Mentor Advanced Session:

Level 2 Training for LIVE REAL Mentors. Participants should have completed the LIVE REAL Mentor Basics program. Attendees will develop an increased understanding of the role of mentors in referring individuals for assistance with substance abuse concerns, gain knowledge of the stages of change, and an increased confidence in recognizing and referring individuals of concern. This will be a 3-hour session incorporating skill-building sessions and participant interaction. Please RSVP to nicklaus.redenius@ndsu.edu if you wish to attend.

LIVE REAL Mentor Family and Genetic Factors

Attendees will learn about the role that family factors and genetics play in substance abuse and addiction. Risk factors and coping mechanisms for family members and friends of individuals with addiction will be discussed. Participants do not need to have previously attended the LIVE REAL Mentor Basics session.

Program Philosophy

NDSU is committed to creating a healthy, safe, and positive community for students. The LIVE REAL Mentor Program is designed to increase knowledge of the NDSU community about the effects of high risk alcohol and other drug use, how to appropriately refer students to prevention and treatment services, how to communicate consistent messages that promote wellness and safety, and promote a culture of safe and responsible attitudes toward alcohol. NDSU themes “It’s About People” and “Students are Paramount” guide the philosophy of the program.

High risk drinking has been identified as the most serious public health problem facing U.S. colleges and their students. It has the potential to deter students’ academic success while attending NDSU as well as their success in obtaining and maintaining careers in their chosen fields after graduation.

Program Overview

The LIVE REAL Mentor Program fulfills objective 8.1 of the ‘President’s Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Strategic Plan to Address High Risk Alcohol and Other Drug Use.’ The program provides education and training for NDSU students, faculty and staff, who choose to identify themselves as a resource for students looking for guidance for their issues with alcohol and other drug abuse and who will actively seek to educate students about the effects of high-risk alcohol and other drug use. The one hour curriculum will address the following:

Rates of use/misuse of alcohol and other drugs by NDSU students

Prevention strategies used to decrease high-risk alcohol and other drug use

Recognition of signs/symptoms of alcohol and/or other drug misuse

Signs of alcohol poisoning and intervention strategies

Campus, city, and state laws related to alcohol and other drugs

Effective referral strategies for students or colleagues that exhibit alcohol or other drug abuse problems

"The LIVE REAL mentor program is an important piece in a process that is aimed at decreasing the high risk use of alcohol by our students which will ultimately lead to a reduction of the problems associated with high risk alcohol use and increase the success of our students in the classroom."